Lesley Tingwell | Author Life

Lesley Tingwell, the author of Cool Dudes, released her book in June 2020. We wanted to catch up with the new author and see how life has been treating her since she was published.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

I most likely didn’t link the publishing of my book to becoming an author, yet here I am, a published author.

What was your first job?

The first job that I ever had was working at Mr Whippy. It was an ice cream kiosk in the middle of a busy shopping centre. People loved the smooth twirled ice cream in cones or tubs, some dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. I loved that job. I was 15 years old and the world was my oyster.

How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

Many years ago, in a dream, which as a student of Eckankar, is a daily practice in writing these down, I was given a picnic basket with blank paper, indicating to me that I could write. But what? I found a course on Professional Writing and Editing, with a subject, Writing for Children. It was in this course that I wrote COOL DUDES. I have written many other stories, which have been a creative process for me in exploring my inner worlds.

What was your life like before you became an author?

I have held many and varied roles in the jobs I have done in Business, from process writing, document design, training, and my final stint in IT. Like many others my role was made redundant, which finally gave me the opportunity to ponder, what next?

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

The daily practice of spiritual exercises, singing HU, helps me to keep balance in my life.

Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

I find that I am reaching out to more people than I have in the past, letting them know that I have had a book published and whether they would like to have a copy in their collection.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

For my book, I am writing the next chapters in COOL DUDES. First comes the ideas, character growth and where their journey might take them. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

My family describe COOL DUDES, as ‘the little book with the big heart.’

In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

I have enjoyed immensely the process of working with such professional people, Suzanne, Vicky and Rudite. Nothing is too much trouble. Inspired by the process, I realise that I must do my part. I am ever grateful.

Why did you choose Pegasus Publishers?

My manuscript sat on my bookshelf until inner guidance says, publish it now! How, I thought? It needed to be sent on that particular day. My search of the Internet led me to Pegasus Publishing and the reason I chose Pegasus Publishing, is as a result of a profound dream that I had many years ago. In this dream I rescued a blue Pegasus from a muddied river bank. How could I choose anyone else?

Get yourself a copy of Lesley’s book, here!